THE council is hoping to use new technology to make York the first smart transport city in the country.

Data and IT companies are invited to bid to work in the £2.85 million Smart Transport Evolution Project (STEP).

The scheme is funded by the Department for Transport and aims to show how digital technology can improve travel.

Cllr Peter Dew, executive member for transport and planning, said: “STEP is a ground-breaking project for York.

“I hope the city’s thriving tech sector will join us and help to realise our vision to prepare York to be the first smart transport city in the UK.

“This will aid us in reducing congestion on our existing road network, improving access for new developments and evolving current traffic management equipment.”

Companies are invited to find out more at an event on November 23 at the National Railway Museum.

The project aims to relieve congestion on the existing road network and reduce pollution, and could be rolled out at all historic cities using IT infrastructure.

For more information york.gov.uk/smart.